Inside the Science of Hair, Doctors Explain Hair Loss and Transplant Solutions

Hair is more than beauty, it’s biology, identity and confidence. Medical professionals Dr. Sylvan and Sampa joined the Culture Squad to discuss hair health, common causes of hair loss and how modern transplant procedures are changing lives in Ghana.

According to Dr. Sylvan, there are generally two main hair types across the world, afro and curly/straight hair. But beyond how hair looks, what really matters is texture, which is influenced by genetics, diet and environmental exposure. “Some people have thin strands, others thick and that’s affected by your lifestyle, stress or even the kind of chemicals you’re exposed to,” she explained.

Dr. Sylvan noted that one of the most common forms of hair loss among women results from tight hairstyles. “Continuous braiding or tension on the scalp can cause traction alopecia, that’s when the hair follicles weaken and stop growing,” she said.

Other causes include stress, genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune reactions and certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism. “Even emotional stress or nutritional deficiencies can trigger hair thinning,” she added.

Men on the other hand, often face genetic or hormonal forms of baldness commonly driven by the DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone), which shrinks hair follicles over time.

Many believe that creams and beard oils can “grow” hair, but the doctors cautioned against unrealistic expectations. “If the hair follicle is dead, no cream can bring it back,” Dr. Sylvan explained. “Topical products only work when the follicles are still alive but dormant. In those cases, we can use medical therapies to stimulate them.”

For severe cases where follicles are dead, a transplant is the only lasting solution. The doctors use a procedure called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) a meticulous process that can take between six to eight hours.

After the surgery, the patient must avoid sweating, scratching or applying foreign products to the area. “The first five days are critical,” the doctors emphasized. “We usually handle the first washes ourselves to prevent damage to the grafts.”

Within weeks, new hair begins to grow naturally and the transplanted hair, because it’s from the patient’s own scalp, continues to grow permanently.

The conversation revealed a fascinating truth that hair care is not just about beauty routines but understanding biology. Whether through nutrition, gentle hair practices or advanced transplants, healthy hair begins with knowing your roots.

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

https://youtu.be/O6fP6JWyh10